1 JUNE 2018
TERM 2 • 1 JUNE 2018 • VOLUME 301
1 JUNE TO 15 JUNE 2018
From the Principal Mrs Nicola Taylor
I always enjoy the opportunity to interview prospective families and their daughters. Apart from learning more about the girls, their interests and aspirations, it is also a good opportunity to highlight the range of opportunities available to students at the College and explain why we choose to do some things and may choose not to do others. In the last edition of the Lion’s Roar, I sought to highlight the distinct advantage as an Independent School, of teaching beyond the minimum, mandatory curriculum. Another example of this is in choosing what subjects are offered and how those courses are structured and sequenced so as to maximise student learning outcomes in a planned and progressive way across stages of learning. Our subject offering, for a small school is very impressive. Stage Six (Years 11&12) students are offered the greatest diversity in order to personalise the learning journey towards the Higher School Certificate and beyond. Currently our Stage Six Students can choose from the following taught at the College: five courses in English, four courses in Mathematics, four courses in Science, three History Courses, three courses in Music, two Technology courses, one language taught at the College with many more mentored by our Languages Staff, Business Studies, Drama, Economics, Geography, Hospitality, Legal continues next page... continued on Page 2...
Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) 1/6 - 3/6/18 AMEB Speech & Drama Eisteddfod 1/6/18 PLCA at Columba 1/6 - 12/6/18 North West Equestrian Expo 1/6/18 - 5/6/18 Boarders' Chapel 4/6/18 Year 12 Biology to UNE HSC Booster Day 4/6/18 Eisteddfod Band Night 5/6/18 Years 9,10,11 Visual Arts & Pathways students 6/6/18 Years 9,10,11 Drama to Shakespeare Regional Carnival 6/6/18 Foundation Capital Campaign Committee Meeting 7/6/18 Years 9 - 12 Tamworth Agricultural Careers Expo 7/6/18 Boarders' Weekend - Depart AM 8/6/18 Boarders' Chapel 11/6/18 Queen's Birthday Holiday 11/6/18 Years 6, 7, 8 Tri Schools Debating 12/6/18 ICAS Spelling 13/6/18 Years 5 and 6 Maths Olympiad 13/6/18 Presbytery of New England Meeting 13/6/18 Year 12 HTA History Study Day 13/6 - 14/6/18 Year 10 Brain Bee Challenge 13/6 - 17/6/18 ICAS Writing 14/6/18 Years 10 and 11 Vaccination 14/6/18 Year 9,10,11 Drama to Theatre Showing of 'Stolen' 14/6/18 Year 10 Brain Bee Challenge 15/6/18 Boarder Church Service at St Paul's 17/6/18 Eisteddfod Gala Concert 17/6/18
NEWS
continued from Page 1... Studies, PDHPE, Studies of Religion and Visual Arts. The issue is often not enough subjects to choose from but how to make the choice given that most students will only study 6 subjects from the over 30 courses we are delivering. We know however that successful learning in Stage Six doesn’t start in Year 11, so Stages One to Five and especially Stage Five (Years 9&10) are designed to scaffold or layer the learning in preparation for Stage Six. Until the end of Year 10, NESA, the education regulator in our State requires all schools to teach English, Mathematics, Science, Geography, History and PDHPE. Optional courses may be offered in areas which were compulsory till the end of Stage Four (Year 8) and which many study again in Stage 6. These form the elective, or choice courses - where continuity and depth of learning provides
the best preparation for the demand of these subjects when studied at the HSC level. Earlier this year, Mr Tom Alegounarias, current chair of NESA was quoted as saying “Depth in content is something that was previously diluted, in order to achieve choice and diversity… The point of the learning is to get to the depth of content and the rigour of understanding, and the confidence and mastery over the content.’’ So why do we structure courses and learning experiences at PLC Armidale as we do? In the words of Kevin Donnelly, senior research fellow at the Australian Catholic University, “We recommended greater focus on essential content and more academic rigour”. We are seeking to equip the girls well for their future endeavours by preparing them in a sequential, logical and progressive way. When we start with why? the what and how becomes clear.
Green Tartan publication
REPAST and the 2018 Principal’s Regional Tour
The bi-annual publication will be out soon. Only a limited number of copies are being printed, with most being distributed electronically. Should you wish to receive a printed copy, please email development@ plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
Whilst we await the delivery of our PLC Armidale Commemorative Book, REPAST, we are planning various events around the region where the book and its recipes will be showcased. This year we are combining the Principal’s Regional Tour with the promotion of REPAST, and invite you all to consider past, present and prospective PLC families who might like to attend the following invitation only events in Term 3 (as well as Old Girls’ Weekend). 1 Narrabri
Friday 27 July 6-8pm at Marval Designs – catering by Relish
2 Inverell
Thursday 16 August at The Dust Jacket
3 Gunnedah Wednesday 22 August at Marval Designs 4 Tamworth Thursday 6 September at Ruby’s Café – catering by Pronto
Our Foundation – Annual Giving At the end of each financial year, like many Foundations and Charitable organisations, the PLC Armidale Foundation reaches out to our community, past and present through its Annual Giving Program. ALL girls who attend our College currently benefit from the generosity of many donors, past and present, who have given generously to either the Building or the Scholarship fund. In the coming weeks, you will receive an invitation via email and post, to contribute to this worthy cause close to all our hearts. Every donation makes a genuine difference to YOU and all our families, and is very much appreciated. You could even consider a regular contribution, whether it be weekly or fortnightly (you would be surprised just how much the cost of a coffee accumulates over a year!). Make your difference today! Please remember that every donation over $2 is tax deductible. Please see the form on page 11.
5 Armidale
Saturday 27 October - during Old Girls’ Weekend - venue tbc
Welcome to new team member Since the last Lion’s Roar, we have welcomed a new member to our team. Nicky Webster has joined us as the new Events & Communications Assistant and we look forward to her working with us in this capacity. She brings a lot of experience and enthusiasm and will be a much welcome addition to our small, yet growing, dynamic Development & Enrolments team. Shona Eichorn • Director of Development development@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au Sally McCook • Enrolments Manager enrolments@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au Nicky Webster • Events & Communications Assistant events@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au Amy Chiu • Pathways Liaison achiu@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
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SENIOR SCHOOL
Senior School Notes
for that set time frame and are then expected to switch them off again once that task is completed.
Anna Caldwell, Head of Senior School
If you need to get a message to your daughter throughout the day, can you please contact the office and a message will be relayed to her. Parents are asked not to phone their daughter or message her during the day. Students are not allowed to message or take phone calls from anyone until after the bell has rung at 3.30 pm at the end of the day.
Over the past two weeks we have been treated to some very impressive musical performances at the Eisteddfod. The Choral Night was a fabulous evening where our choirs and vocal ensembles demonstrated the incredibly high standard of music at the College. It was also very impressive to see the number of ‘wonder women’ we have at PLC, who made numerous and very speedy uniform changes between performances for the various choirs that they are members of, including NECOM Vocal ensembles. Many of our girls then competed in the Composition Section the following evening. Congratulations to all of our students for their compositions. It was another very successful evening, but what really stood out were the number of girls who played beautifully for each other, even though they were all competing against each other. Their emphasis was not on the outcome but on supporting each other, with friendship and respect shining through as the real winners on the night. Congratulations to all our students and to Mr Matthew Minter, Mrs Constance Dunham and all peripatetic teachers, who have put in many, many hours of rehearsals in preparation for this event. The Speech and Drama section of the Eisteddfod has now started and we wish everyone well with their performances.
There is increasing research and evidence that highlights the negative impact of mobile technology including loss of learning and productivity, as well as the increased risk of mental health issues related to social media usage, cyber-bullying and social exclusion and phubbing, which is short for ‘phone snubbing’. With these findings, we are going to again be proactive and do all we can to support and educate our students about the appropriate use of mobile technology and implement tighter boundaries and rules.
Uniform A presentation was given in assembly recently to remind all students about how to wear their Winter Uniform correctly. Can you please check that your daughter’s skirt is the correct length, that she has a jumper and blazer with her every day and if she is cold, she may wear her Track Jacket over the top. Track jackets may not be worn without a jumper and blazer on underneath. All girls with hair reaching below the collar are to have it tied back with a ribbon in their hair. Their shoes are to be polished regularly. Your assistance in encouraging the girls to wear their uniform correctly and with pride is greatly appreciated.
Mobile phones at school We have long held the policy that students who bring mobile phones to school must have them switched off during the day and hand them in to the teacher at the start of every lesson, to ensure that they are not distracted by having them in their pockets. If they are required to use their phones for educational purposes, the teachers will notify the girls and they will be allowed to use their smart-phone specifically for that purpose
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Fiona Wake, Head of Junior School
Welcome to Mr Sam Azon Jacometti The girls have displayed their enthusiasm for Music and their musical process to welcome Mr Jacometti to PLC. Mr Jacometti will replace Mrs Connie Dunham whilst Connie is on Maternity Leave for the next twelve months.
Congratulations to our Budding Artists… The Junior School entered an ANZAC Commemorative Art Competition that many schools across the New England entered. It is with great pleasure to receive word that Aaliyah Howarth and Elsie Wake received second prize in their Stage section of the competition and will be presented with their prize on Saturday at the Town Library.
Congratulations to our budding Musicians: Eisteddfod Success Congratulations are extended to all of our Junior School students who have performed in the 2018 Eisteddfod. I am hearing so many reports of success and personal growth and I am filled with pride at the feedback I am receiving. I would like to congratulate the many peripatetic teachers who work with our students and Mrs Joanna Fairs-Wu, Mrs Connie Dunham and Mr Matthew Minter for their dedication and support of our students. A summary of our students’ achievements across the College will be published in the Lions Roar at the conclusion of the Eisteddfod period. Please inform Matthew Minter, Emma Young or myself of any success received during the 2018 Eisteddfod so that we can formally publish you daughter/s results to recognise the effort and commitment in preparing for group and individual performances.
Uniform Reminder I know this message seems to be added to each addition of the Lions Roar, however it has become noticeable that there is inconsistency in the understanding of what constitutes the correct uniform. Please refer to the following; PLC bike pants are never to be worn underneath the PE shorts or skirt. They were introduced for representative sporting events only. Ankle socks are never to be worn with the PLC Sports uniform. Hair is to always be tied up if possible and a green ribbon attached or a tricolor sports ribbon when wearing the sports uniform. As mentioned on Skoolbag, students are able to wear full length black pants (tights) and a long black shirt underneath their sports uniform on a cold day for Saturday sport or Sports Carnivals. The PLC tracksuit should be worn in winter. Labelling of clothing is a must to ensure items find their way back home. Any clothing found will be taken to the Lost Property cupboard adjacent to the Junior School Staffroom. You are more than welcome to check this cupboard yourself for any missing items.
Year 6 Leadership: GUILD GATHERING Over the past fortnight the Year 6 leaders have planned and facilitated activities relating to the Character Strengths, Spirituality and Honesty. The Junior School participate in activities that reinforce their understanding of these character strengths and what they look like from a practical perspective. This is a wonderful opportunity to build guild spirit and peer relationships, provide leadership opportunity to our Year 6 girls who are required to plan, organise and facilitate and reflect upon this activity.
SRC & Action Group Initiative: MS Research Australia Multiple Sclerosis (MS): May was MS Awareness Month and the Junior School raised money to support this non-profit organisation by hosting a Junior School MS Awareness Day on Thursday 31 May with proceeds from Pizza lunch orders being donated to MS Research Australia.
JUNIOR SCHOOL
Junior School News
To support this cause, students were asked to accessorise - add a touch of red to their school uniform e.g. red socks, ribbons, a tie, a red hat etc - on Thursday 31 May in recognition of those around the world that are suffering from MS or who have loved ones that have been afflicted by this terrible disease. MS Research Australia is the largest national not-for-profit organisation dedicated to funding and coordinating multiple sclerosis research in Australia, as part of the worldwide effort to solve MS. Its goal is to accelerate research: into the cause, better treatments and prevention, with the aim of ultimately finding a cure for MS.
Year 6 Leadership & Fundraising Event: Silent Wood AUCTION! Year 6 have discussed and put forward the following proposal to raise money to assist in the purchase of a gift of thanks to the Junior School upon their graduation and transition into Secondary School. The idea of a silent auction has been decided, the winning bidder receiving a trailer load of wood to ward off the winter chill and make winter a little more tolerable. The trailer will spend a week outside of the Junior School and later the Senior School as it is an opportunity for all PLC Community members, including staff, to participate in this auction if they wish.
What to do … The trailer load of wood is located outside of the Junior School for you to view for one week. It will then be located outside of Senior School reception for a week also. Simply place inside a sealed envelope an amount you would be willing to pay for the trailer load of wood, delivered to your door. On the outside of the envelope, place your name and telephone number as you will be called if you are the highest bidder. Place your sealed envelope in the box provided at Junior School and/or Senior School Reception. The winning bidder will be announced on 12th June. Once payment has been received the wood will be delivered free of charge to your desired location. Thank you for supporting this Year 6 initiative.
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We also dug up potatoes, washed and chopped them and roasted them with some oil and herbs. They made a delicious addition to the girls’ lunch. The caterpillars from the vegetable patches joined our big fat green caterpillar (orchard swallow tail) in the terrarium. The girls can now observe what is going to happen to them over the next few weeks. Fingers crossed it will be something amazing. They are all very excited about them turning into butterflies.
JUNIOR SCHOOL
The Pre-K girls have been very busy making sure that there were fresh vegetables on our global garden trolley almost every day. They have harvested many, many tomatoes, red and yellow ones, lettuce, herbs and beans. With the help of some parents we got the garden patches ready to plant some new winter vegetables last week. Some kale is nearly ready to get harvested and we just picked caterpillars off the broccoli to make sure it can grow nicely.
The Pre-K girls also enjoy learning about letters and numbers, doing art and craft, play in the home corner, do puzzles, producing puppet shows and, appropriate to the season, develop their own kites. Tina Dettwiler, Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
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Congratulations to Bronte Dagg on her horse riding success! Bronte rode her horse EBL Lust at the recent Northern NSW Hack Championships at Lismore where she won her Young Horse class and qualified for Grand Nationals 2019. She also competed at Toowoomba Royal with two horses and came home with a champion, a reserve, three firsts and two seconds.
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SENIOR SCHOOL HUMANITIES
Humanities Kate Clynch, Head of Humanities
The Premier’s Reading Challenge for 2018 is well and truly under way, and all students from Kindergarten to Year 9 at PLC have been registered to compete in the challenge this year. The challenge runs until Friday the 31 August, so there is still plenty of time to get reading! Students in Years 7 to 9 are responsible for keeping their own online reading records. If you need a reminder of your username and password, please see Mrs Dare or Mrs Patterson in the Senior School Library. For parents of Junior School students, if you would like to enter your child’s reading record online, you can contact your classroom teacher to have her username and password for the PRC sent directly to you. Students in Year 6 will be given their username and password to start entering their own reading records during their time in the Senior School Library. Junior School students will also be keeping a reading record at school, but it would be helpful if students were recording the reading that they have completed at home. We will be sending home a hard copy of the ‘Reading Log’ for you to record the books that your daughter reads at home. Don’t worry too much about the PRC number. Just recording the title of the book and the author will be enough for us to enter this on her reading record when it is returned to school at the end of the challenge. There is more information available on the challenge available at: online.det.nsw.edu.au/prc/home.html Happy reading!
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SPORT
Around the Grounds Sports Report Peter Le Surf, Director of Sport
PSSA Cross Country
Welcome to the middle of the term. Most winter sports are in full flight and the girls are achieving some great results. When we look at “results,” we should not necessarily be looking at winning. We should be looking at the makings of the individual. Arsene Wenger, former manager of Arsenal Football Club, who some say is the most successful Club in this era, believes that: “At a young age winning is not the most important thing… the important thing is to develop creative and skilled players with good confidence.” Each week, I see the girls grow in skill and confidence on the sporting fields. I have recently watched a young netball team play an amazing game, yet they were defeated by the opponent. I was pleased to hear the coach talk to the girls at the end of the game and only praised them for the good things that they did on the court. They did not mention the result. The girls walked away, happy in themselves in the way they played.
National Primary Games - Netball Expression of Interest The Northern Inland Academy of Sport (NIAS) has invited interested PLC Armidale School girls to participate in the National Primary Games (NPG). The NPG is an inclusive festival of sport for all students Years 3-9. The festival will be hosted in Tamworth and will be held over the weekend 21, 22 July 2018, which is the last weekend of the school holidays. PLC Armidale is currently a community member of NIAS and many of our PLC Armidale girls are in NIAS programs and potentially there could be more pathways in the future to further their sporting opportunities and success. The NPG is supported by the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC), who will be providing high profile Olympians in support of this festival of sport. The festival includes five sports and welcomes both boys and girls and their families. PLC Armidale is calling any girls in Year 3-9 (up to 14 years), who would be interested in participating in the sport of netball (Hockey is not offered in 2018).
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SPORT
PLC Rugby Team
The students will compete against teams from across the Eastern seaboard of Australia and from all regions of the inland with sportsmanship and inclusivity being the focus of the weekend.
Rugby
The teams will play competitive games and every team will participate in a final no matter their placing.
Our first match was against O’Connor and the girls won 3 tries to 1, with Saskia Kennett scoring the first try for PLC.
On the Saturday evening all teams and families join together at the Tamworth Regional Entertainment Centre to be inspired by the special guest Olympians and performers.
The second match was against a tough NEGS team that had been training for some months already. It was a very defensive game and the NEGS girls eventually won 2 tries to 1.
If you would like your daughter to take part in this event please register your interest with Peter Le Surf (Senior School) or Lucy Donaldson (Junior School) by Tuesday 12 June in order for us to register the teams. More details will follow once interest has been received. The cost to enter the event will be approximately $28 per participant which includes NPG commemorative merchandise, Entry fees, Games Celebration Function, Registration and Insurance. This will be charged to accounts.
Congratulations to all the girls. It was a great effort and a pleasure to watch. I would encourage everyone to brave the cold on Friday evenings and come to UNE to witness the efforts from this team.
Please note: families are responsible for transportation and accommodation to/from this event. This is a fabulous opportunity to support this major community event in Tamworth.
On Friday evening, PLC Armidale Rugby side took to the field. It was a cold evening with fog rolling across the grounds; at times it was difficult to see the action.
Sport Supporters’ Group (SSG) For those families who are new to PLC Armidale, the SSG was established last year to build community around our sports program across the whole College, and to raise some dollars along the way for sports activities. The first meeting for this year will be held in the Board Room on Wednesday night, June 6 at 6pm. All welcome!
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SPORT
Cross Country Congratulations to Chiyo Brown on winning silver at the recent IGSSA Cross country. Chiyo was the only entrant from PLC Armidale to make the journey to Frensham College, Mittagong. The race was very well fought, with the lead changing several times along the course. With this win, Chiyo has made it into the IGSSA Cross country. So again, congratulations to Chiyo!
Hockey The under 13’s Flames have shown some staggering improvement this week that leaves nothing but great signs for the future. Over the past 2 weeks, the girls have come up against some strong sides such as the Harlequins. With rock solid defence, PLC Armidale has managed to stay in the game and also demonstrate some scintillating attacking performances. These games have shown that the girls will be a force to be reckoned with on the hockey field. It has been a terrific effort from all players and some sensational saves from the backs and our goalkeeper. We are very proud of the way the girls are playing and conducting themselves on the field.
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SPORT
JUNIOR SCHOOL SPORT PSSA Cross Country Congratulations to the 20 PLC Junior School girls who competed at the PSSA Cross Country Carnival last Friday. Despite chilly conditions, this didn’t stop our girls from running like the wind! Thank you to the many parents who came along and cheered the girls on, your support is always appreciated. A special congratulations to the following girls who achieved a top 10 placing: Kate Loxley – 4th 8/9 Year Girls Anais Dettwiler – 6th 8/9 Year Girls Natashia Barton – 10th 10 Year Girls Scarlett Loxley – 5th 11 Year Girls Maggie Ryan – 6th 12 Year Girls Thank you to all the girls and parents for a wonderful day of running and team spirit.
Athletics Carnival Well done to Kate Loxley and Scarlett Loxley who were the winners of the Junior Champion (8-10 Years) and Senior Champion (11-13 Years) respectively, at our School Athletics Carnival. A great effort girls!
Scarlett Loxley - Senior Champion
Hockey A great start to the hockey season for our U9 Panthers team.
Lucy Donaldson, Junior Sport
U9 Hockey Panthers
Kate Loxley - Junior Champion
02 6770 1700 • www.plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
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BOARDING
Boarding News Alison Spencer, Head of Boarding
Last week I attended the annual Boarding Schools’ Expo in Dubbo. One of the lovely aspects of this, was the opportunity it offered to meet up with some parents of our boarders and to meet parents of next year’s boarders. Usually I only get to meet these families in the hectic start or end-of-term activity. Having more time to talk without so many interruptions was a great help, but so was having the time to drive and get a sense of the physical distance between parents and their daughters. I came away so glad to have had the time to build these relationships further and gain more understanding of the parents’ experience of boarding. Early in Term 3 there is another of these expos at Narrabri, during which I am really hoping to make time again to meet up with our boarding families from around the area. Many thanks to our boarders, Mrs Bauer and the kitchen staff who earlier this week hosted a ‘biggest morning tea’ in support of cancer research. There were many lovely looking cupcakes provided for the whole College by the boarders, who spent time decorating them on the weekend. Thanks for getting behind this worthwhile fundraiser everyone - $213.25 was collected.
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2018 ANNUAL GIVING
YOUR GIFT CREATES A LEGACY The Building Fund... helps us maintain and grow the capital infrastructure of the College. The Scholarship Fund... supports scholarships and bursaries for students of promise and potential. Thank you for your generous gift to the PLC Armidale Foundation 2018 Annual Giving Campaign. Yes I would like to make the following gift to PLC Armidale Foundation (please place a tick in the box): $500 $1000
$250
I would like to give to the:
$100
$2000
Scholarship Fund
Building Fund
My payment details are:
Prefer to pay online? Visit: plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au/ community/foundation to use our secure payment gateway. I’ve enclosed my cheque (please make payable to the PLC Armidale Foundation) We also accept credit card donations by phone on 6770 1700 Credit card - please contact the College EFT: BSB: 032 607 Scholarship Fund Account #223426 Building Fund Account #128584
Name: Address:
Postcode:
Phone:
email: All donations over $2 are tax-deductible within Australia. For receipting purposes please mail the completed form to: PLC Armidale, Locked Bag 5, Armidale NSW 2350 or scan and email to: development@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au Thank you for your gift!
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MUSIC
Music Matthew Minter, Director of Music Welcome to Mr Sam Jacometti I would like to extend a warm welcome to Mr Sam Jacometti who is joining us at PLC for one year as Music Teacher while Mrs Dunham is on maternity leave. Mr Jacometti has settled in and is doing some fantastic work taking the Music classes from Pre-K to Year 8. Sam is a skilled pianist and guitarist and it has been lovely to have him play at chapel and assembly on Monday and Friday mornings.
PLC girls have also excelled in solo performances, duets and in many other capacities in community and NECOM groups. There are many girls and ensembles to congratulate and a full summary of results will be published in the Lion’s Roar after the competition season ends next week. If you would like your daughter’s results to be acknowledged in the Lion’s Roar could you please let me know by email at mminter@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au Best of luck to all for the remainder of the competition.
EISTEDDFOD UPDATE: The Eisteddfod has been running continuously for over two weeks. The events our PLC girls have participated in so far include choral singing, composition, vocal solos, dance, piano solos, organ, string and woodwind instrumental solos and string instrumental ensembles. PLC has done extremely well and we are very proud of the commitment and courage the girls have shown in the competition. PLC has placed very competitively in the competition so far, with two first places for Junior School choirs, Treble Makers and 3-6 Choir and four first places in the composition competition: Abigail Thompson, Emma Dauparas, Lily Graham and Mia Emanuel. Well done to the string ensembles who achieved five first places in the string ensembles competition. Congratulations to Mrs Joanna Fairs-Wu for remaining undefeated in four events, with first places for Silver Strings, Junior Strings and both Senior Strings events. The Year Seven String Quartet also placed first in their event. Well done Mrs Camilla Tafra, Emily Thompson, Chiyo Brown, Gabrielle Cotterell and Laura Smitham for your fine work with the quartet.
Hello! My name is Sam Jacometti and I am the music teacher replacing Mrs Constance Dunham for the next 12 months while she is on Maternity Leave. I am thrilled to have started this position at PLC Armidale. I have moved here from a small town in the Central West called Condobolin, along with my wife and two daughters, aged 2 and 3. The hospitality and welcome I have had at PLCA has been overwhelming and I have felt very cared for and supported in the transition. The students are lovely to teach and enthusiastic about music. It’s fantastic working with students who are friendly, talented and confident in themselves. I am excited to contribute to the school’s Music program and hope to carry on the strong musical legacy that has been developed here at PLC Armidale. Kind regards, Sam Jacometti
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MUSIC
Mr Jacometti teaching
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PASTORAL
Pastoral Care Conversation Paula Goode, Pastoral Care Coordinator
Tackling Racism Racism takes many forms and can happen in many places. It includes prejudice, discrimination or hatred directed at someone because of their colour, ethnicity or national origin. People often associate racism with acts of abuse or harassment. However, it doesn’t need to involve violent or intimidating behaviour. Take racial name-calling and jokes. Or consider situations when people may be excluded from groups or activities because of where they come from. Racism can be revealed through people’s actions as well as their attitudes. It can also be reflected in systems and institutions. But sometimes it may not be revealed at all. Not all racism is obvious. So what is Racism? Racism is the belief that certain groups are superior to others, based on birth or cultural differences in values, norms and behaviours. Those assumed to be inferior are treated less favourably. Racism is associated with poor mental health and wellbeing. Evidence (psychology.org.au) shows that racism not only has detrimental impacts on those discriminated against, their friends and family, and the perpetrators and society at large.
• 20% of Australians reported experiencing discrimination on the basis of ‘skin colour, ethnic origin or religion’ in 2016. Experiences of racism are more common for people from non-English speaking backgrounds. • Most people reject blatantly racist attitudes. Yet underlying attitudes that underpin discrimination and intolerance are still held by many people. • The expression of racism and prejudice has changed over recent decades. It is now more hidden but strong evidence suggests it is still prevalent. • References to ‘everyday’ and ‘low level’ racism indicate that racism is so pervasive it is part of everyday language and behaviour. • Racism occurs at all levels of society, and in our own behaviour and attitudes. Negative stereotypes about minority groups are likely to affect our own behaviour unless we consciously choose to reject them. • People can do much to combat racism and prejudice. In doing so they will contribute to a healthier and more just world.
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PASTORAL
Racism can be revealed through people’s actions as well as their attitudes. It can also be reflected in systems and institutions. But sometimes it may not be revealed at all. Not all racism is obvious. Individuals can help to reduce racism and prejudice in many ways: • Examine your own prejudices, biases, and values • Discuss your own experiences of being hurt by prejudice • Learn about your own culture in relation to others • Make friends with someone from another culture or background
Racism is more than just words, beliefs and actions. It includes all the barriers that prevent people from enjoying dignity and equality because of their race. Remember: different cultures, points of view and values are not necessarily better or worse, but are just different. They make the world a more interesting and richer place and allow for new ideas and advances that benefit all Australians. itstopswithme.humanrights.gov.au/about-racism
• Educate yourselves about the psychological impact of oppression • If you are a member of a cultural group which is not subject to racial abuse or oppression, consider ways in which you might have benefited from discrimination against others • Be aware that it is easy to dismiss the difficulties that others face if you do not face them yourself • Make a rule that comments or jokes that belittle or insult the racial or cultural ancestry of any person or group are unacceptable • Support people who have been victims of discrimination • Become an advocate for people in minority groups • Become active in groups that encourage tolerance and tackle prejudice and racism • Talk with others about racism and prejudice, and point out examples when you see them • Think of the world as a global community, not just individual nations or peoples • Take part in international and interfaith special events and festivals • Work cooperatively with people from other groups, or from other cultures or backgrounds • Learn interest-based conflict resolution and practice using it in your everyday life
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HSC Study Retreat 2018
Welcome Motion Fitness is ecstatic to present the first HSC Retreat this September 30th-3rd October. All Retreat attendees will stay onsite with the Motion Fitness Team for the 3 nights as we will be staying at a premier holiday home on Sydney's Northern Beaches (final location yet to be confirmed). This retreat is like no other. Not only do we supply an environment were the individual attendees can broaden their intellectual knowledge in preparation for their HSC, but we also provide a supportive environment were they can grow as young adults. Through out the three days, Retreat attendees will have access and immersion to a number of benefits which make this retreat unique. We understand an active mind is a mind ready to learn and take on new content, so a solid foundation of activity and fitness is incorporated throughout the entire Retreat. This give the attendees a break from the books but inevitably, puts them in the right mind frame to study.
The camp Includes:
-Key presentations from a range of speakers including professional athletes and multi business owners. -Five meals a day provided and cooked by an in house chef -Multiple fitness/strength sessions daily
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-Access to in house facilities -Daily study
Still wondering if the retreat is for you? That is fair but let me convince you slightly. The ideal participant for the Motion Fitness Study Retreat is a student who finds it hard to study alone, loves the outdoors and physical activity but, also a student who strives when in a supportive and positive environment. That is what this retreat is about. Guest Speakers Not only are we presenting in a beautiful environment situated on Sydney's Northern Beaches, but we are providing a range of guest speakers over the course of the stay. We have Parisa Haeri former Australian Female Weightlifting Champion coming in to speak about how she manages running a successful business with multiple clients whilst being a professional athlete. In addition to Parisa, we have Mathew Clarke who is a multiple business owner here in Sydney. He knows about the ups and downs of life, knows how adversity can influence a person to do great things and how to develop and maintain thorough routines each day.
Price The Motion Fitness Retreat costs $600 and that includes everything once you arrive. The only thing you need to do is get to Retreat on Day One and we look after the rest. If you are interested or need to ask a few more questions please email or call Sam Hutton (owner) on the details below. See you there! Contact Details
Email: samueljohnhutton@gmail.com.au Mobile: 0457458365
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BLOG BY SHARON WITT
9 APRIL
Friendships are an important aspect of all of our lives – perhaps even more so for our children as they navigate the often complex years of growing up and discover their place in the world. As our young people grow and develop, so do their friendships. In the early years, many friendships are developed through manufactured situations and groups we are involved in as parents. First time mother’s groups, antenatal birthing classes, playgroup, church groups and other friendship groups for mothers, often become the first opportunities that our children have to play and develop these early skills of relating to their peers. It is during these early toddler years that we can safely observe and guide our children’s play time. We can help them deal with minor disputes over whose turn it is to play with the truck, use the dress up cape or the blocks. We teach our children to play fairly, share and take turns. As our children enter their early Primary School years, these friendships develop more out of our earshot. Some parents may even feel a little concerned that they will not know each of your child’s friends at school and whom they choose to be influenced by. However, there is a lot we can do as parents to help guide our children through these years of critical relationship building. Developing the strategies to deal with friendship conflicts, tricky situations and issues of bullying are lifelong skills that will stand them in good stead for the years ahead. What makes a good friend? From an early age, we can have conversations with our children around what makes a good, healthy friendship. What are the qualities we look for in a friend? I have asked this very question of hundreds of children over the past two decades and the same qualities are mentioned time and time again: o Honest o Trustworthy o Friendly o Dependable o Kind-hearted o Humorous o Forgiving These qualities are probably the same for many of us parents too. However we also need to remember that we should also display these qualities if we are seeking positive and healthy friendships. We will actually attract these same qualities in the friendships we make when we model these ourselves. Lead by Example Whether we like it or not, our children are observing us all the time. They watch how we speak, act and conduct our own friendships. A few days ago, I was astounded by an exchange I observed on social networking site Facebook between two grown women – mothers – right in front of their children’s watchful gaze. What was perhaps the most distressing for those observing, were a few comments posted intermittently by the young children of these women – who were observing every hurtful missile fired between the two! One child simply wrote: ‘Please! will you stop calling my mum names!” “Please will you stop speaking to my mum that way, she doesn’t deserve it!’ And my heart broke! These parents were clearly having a very heated falling out – but to play this out in a very public way and under the ever-watchful eyes of their children was just so sad. To these children, the modelling is already occurring before their eyes. Model your own positive Friendships As parents, we can do a lot to teach our children about navigating friendships by modelling our own in a positive way. Demonstrate that a friendship is a two-way street by phoning your friend occasionally, sending an encouraging note or card, or making a meal for them if they are unwell. When we do these things naturally in our own relationships, we are teaching our children how supportive real friendships can be. Dealing with Tricky Friends We will always encounter friendships that can become a little complex or tricky at times. Our children will find this very difficult when it occurs but we can teach them how to handle this effectively and let them know that it is okay to set their
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own boundaries and enforce these when necessary. Hurt Feelings Feelings will often be hurt during our friendships- that is the nature of living in relationship and part of a community. However, it is how we deal with hurt feelings – that is most important. When your child experiences hurt feelings, try and use this as a teachable moment! Recently my daughter came home from school feeling down. A girl in her class had distributed her birthday party invitations in front of a gathered group of friends – however she did not invite my daughter. My daughter was clearly stunned as she relayed the story to me. ‘Why would someone DO THAT?!’ she questioned. ‘It is just SO mean!’ It became a great teachable moment for her. We talked about how this girl must be feeling about herself and her position amongst the girls if she has to noticeable, in front of everyone, NOT invite a well-liked, popular girl in the group. It was all about this girl’s feelings of power, or lack of. I talked to my daughter about how she was feeling at that moment, and explained to her that there will always be people who deliberately (in this case) or accidentally hurt our feelings. What my daughter could learn from this is how NOT to treat others – whether they are your closest friend or just a part of your social group at school. Be mindful of other’s feelings. When it came time for my daughter to plan her own birthday party, and she had a limited number of guests allowed, she made it a point to hand out her invitations in private and at a time that would not cause upset to others. We cannot possibly protect our children from having their feelings hurt or having to deal with difficult people – but we can teach them how to respond and learn valuable life skills about navigating tricky friendships. Most Friendships won’t last Forever If you had have told me at age 8 that my best friend in the entire world, would not have been my lifelong friend forever, I would simply not have believed you! But to our children, their friendships do seem ‘lifelong’ and permanent. They cannot imagine these relationships ever drifting apart. However, the reality is, most of our early friendships don’t continue on forever and this is a good point to teach our children. Some friends are with us for a reason, and some for just a season. But each will bring something unique to our lives and perhaps teach us a lesson – even if that lesson is what we don’t want or need in a friend. Be Friendly! As much as this may seem like such a simple point to make, it is important that our children learn to be friendly – even to those who are unkind or cause conflict in our lives. There will always be people who annoy us, speak rudely to us for no apparent reason. But we are not always privy to what is going on in their lives. If someone is mean or nasty to your daughter, explain to her that we don’t always understand why people choose to be rude to us or react in certain ways. What we can do is demonstrate some grace and act with kindness. Elbert Hubbard said: ‘In order to have friends, you must first be one.’ This is a good mantra to teach our young people. So often, our children complain that they have no real friends, or they are not popular at school. But this quote is a timely reminder that they need to practice being a friend. The more you practice being friendly and being interested in others, the more people will be drawn to you. Friendships will always be a lifelong learning opportunity. Hopefully, as we navigate and manage our own friendships as adults, we can model to our own children how to best take this journey through life.
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2018
PIE DRIVE
Orders are filled from MOXONS BAKERY, ARMIDALE
Please return the order form(s) by Wednesday 13th June 2018 to Main Reception or Junior School Reception ORDERS CAN BE COLLECTED FROM PLC Hospitality Centre (near AAC) 2.00pm- 4.00pm ON THURSDAY 28th JUNE (last day of Term 2) Please feel free to give this form to friends, family and colleagues. Any queries please phone Kathie Marquardt on 0409722149 or email kathie@marquardtconstructions.com.au
NAME: _________________________________________________________________________________ DAY PHONE NUMBER: _____________________________ EMAIL: ________________________________ ORDERED THROUGH: ______________________________________________________________________ (if not a family of the school) Please find enclosed Cash/Cheque (PLC P&F) to the value of $
Payment by EFT to PLC Armidale, BSB 062 128 A/C 1034 5355; Reference ‘Name on Form' PIE DRIVE Type Price Quantity Type Family Pies (9”) Price Quantity Plain Steak $15.00 Fruit Pies (9”) Steak/Curry $15.00 Apple $15.00 Steak/Mushroom $15.00 Berry $15.00 Steak/Potato $15.00 ½ Apple ½ Berry $15.00 Pies/Rolls (Individual – ½ dozen) Fruit Pies (Individual - ½ dozen) Apple $18.00 Plain Steak $18.00 Berry $18.00 Steak/Curry $18.00 Lamingtons (½ dozen) Steak/Mushroom $18.00 Chocolate $10.00 Steak/Potato $18.00 Biscuits (Pkt of 10) Sausage Rolls $15.00 Jam Drops $8.00 Spinach and Feta Rolls $18.00 Choc Chip $8.00 Party Pies- Steak (1 dozen) $20.00 Anzac $8.00 ORDER TOTAL $ Thank you for your support
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